Adventures of the Travelling Georgina: Kapitolyo, Pasig City (Part 1)

"Five more minutes, mommy..."

For our first wedding anniversary, J and I went night swimming at a nearby pool resort. We invited my family and grilled our favorite seafood. It was a simple but fun celebration. We were then saving up for a Christian wedding ceremony supposed to be held later that year so we decided not to splurge.

For our second anniversary, along with some friends we discovered the beautiful Davao City. Most probably our little Queen B was conceived during this period so definitely our Davao City tour was one of our most memorable and pleasant trip together.

Last year, since Georgina was only three months old we decided to commemorate our third anniversary with a leisurely lunch at Tong Yang followed by an overnight stay at Privato Hotel in Pasig City. J and I don’t frequent this part of the metro so it was a chance to explore the hidden gems in that area. Unfortunately, we spent majority of that day on the road as I have explained in my post Why is it Okay to be a Stay-at-Home Mom?. Even though we were able to make the best of the situation, it was a very tiring and frustrating day for all of us.

So this year, J wanted a do over of the previous year’s planned celebration with a little upgrade. Instead of an overnight stay, we’ll have a 3-days-2-nights staycation at Privato Hotel. I must admit at first I was hesitant with this plan of his. When going out of town, I like to visit as many must-see destinations as possible in that area. Our itinerary is always jam-packed that it looks like we are competing for the Amazing Race. Meanwhile, J prefers a more laidback pace. Unexpectedly, our weekend staycation satiate both of our wants. So without further ado, let me share to all of you our family’s adventures in Kapitolyo, Pasig City.   

Our Home Away From Home – Privato Hotel

Privato Hotel is an Italian-inspired business and lifestyle hotel in Pasig City. According to its website, the hotel has 177 rooms classified into four types: Executive King, One Bedroom Suite with Kitchen, Deluxe Double Queen, and Executive Twin. Like last year, we bought vouchers from DealGrocer which were supposed to be for an Executive Twin Room but we were upgraded without any additional charge to a Deluxe Double Queen.

Our cozy room at the 11th floor of the hotel. 

I wasn’t able to take pictures but our room comes with the usual hotel amenities like a cabinet, a safety deposit box, a small refrigerator, a desk, and chair. There were also an electric pot, cups and glasses, bottled water, and a selection of coffee and tea. A blower was also available near the desk.

The bathroom is on the small side but since our bathroom at home is smaller we are already happy with the extra space. I wish the towels were fluffier but they smelled very clean. Basic bathroom essentials were also available.

Look who's at home immediately!

A throwback to last year's stay at Privato Hotel, here is our 3-month old little Queen B in the same position as the picture above. Even back then, she loves vacation. 

We minimize her screen time at home but since we are in a vacation we let her watch some cartoons. It is her first time to watch Doc McStuffins. 

The happy staycationers!

Ever since the summer season started I have been dreaming of going swimming to beat the heat so the pool is definitely my favorite part of the hotel. Privato Hotel's swimming pool is located at the roof deck or the 23rd floor. 

Our little Queen B in her ladybug one-piece swimsuit.

Even as a kid, the pool is one of my happy place which I think my little Queen B shares. 

Happy kiddo!

Of course, these two must have their selfie!

Located also in the 23^rd floor is Privato’s in-house restaurant and bar called Verona Roof Deck Bar where one can chill and relax with the skyline of Bonifacio Global City in sight.  

We stayed at their indoor area since some people were smoking outside so no evening skyline view for us. 

J, thank you once again for my anniversary gift. 

We also tried the drinks served at Verona Roof Deck Bar. Mojito for me and Piña Colada for J. 

Part of the deal we got was the buffet breakfast for two at the hotel’s Piazza Privato restaurant located at the 6^th floor. The buffet spread was not as lavish as in other hotels (no bacon L ) but it was still quite enjoyable. There were several choices of cereals, a make-your-own salad station for the calorie-conscious (though there were only two types of dressing available; vinaigrette and the typical Thousand Island dressing), a soup station (mushroom soup on our first day and corn soup the next day), a bread station (the selection of bread was limited but the strawberry muffin I tried was very tasty and moist), an omelette station, and dessert station (choices include fruits, cakes, and pudding) . As for the mains, there were fried rice and a pasta dish for your carbohydrates fix, and 3 to 4 viands of protein. All the dishes we tried were delicious which really makes up for the limited options available.

J and I take turns in eating. I eat first while J feeds Georgina and when I'm done it is my turn to mind her. We forgot to ask for a high chair though I didn't see one in the place. 

The hotel is also home to some beautiful artworks from National artist Arturo Luz, Ann Pamintuan of Davao, painter Ivan Acuna, and international artist Wataru Sakuma. Sadly, I forgot to take pictures of these artworks. With an active toddler in tow, our attention is mostly on her. 

Over all, we have a lovely staycation experience at Privato Hotel. Even though the facilities already show some wear and tear, the place is clean. The staffs are courteous and quick to respond to our requests and queries. We only have one inconvenient incident when we are about to avail the breakfast included in our package in which the record at the Piazza Privato restaurant shows otherwise. We have to go to the lobby with my copy of the vouchers to correct this error. Other than that, we have no complaints and just have good words for the management and staffs of Privato Hotel.

Mommy duties calling so I'm cutting short this post. Please watch out for part 2 of this post where I will talk about our foodie adventures in Kapitolyo, Pasig.

#xoxo